She may have been away from the small screen after Generations 16 members were fired by Mfundi Vundla back in 2014, for embarking on a strike and refusing to return to set until a pay raise was implemented. The actors also demanded an extension on their contracts and royalties from episodes which had been re-broadcasted. Actress, Nambitha Mpumlwana has been very busy and continued acting starring in different films. She has brought to life, some of the most iconic characters and she continues to do so playing the leading role of Winnie Mandela in a star-studded theatre product titled, The Cry of Winnie Mandela alongside Rami Chuene, Ayanda Sibisi, Siyasanga Papu, Pulane Rampoana and Les Nkosi.

PREPARED

Like a true seasoned actress with two decades of experience, Nambitha tells ZiMoja that she prepared extensively for the part. "I studied some of her history and videos. In the end though, I have to create her anew," she says. While, not seen on soapies or daytime television, she's taken on other challenges, like playing the role of a 200-year-old woman on a futuristic podcast, alongside Thapelo Mokoena. She also starred in the mini-series, The Kingdom, all about Bible parables and stories of faith, hope, love and realising the best version of ourselves. "It's has been a while since I worked on this stage, but I never stopped acting professionally or otherwise."

BASED ON A NOVEL

Based on the beloved novel first released in 2003 by esteemed poet, novelist and essayist Njabulo Ndebele, The Cry of Winnie Mandela, is a theatrical production that delves into history, emotion and the enduring strength of the political leader. Directed by Kgomotso 'Momo' Matsunyane, the production tells the history of women who spent time waiting for their men to return from exile, mines, political imprisonment and one being Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who waited for 27 years. The women question themselves and each other about why they waited and what this waiting did to them, leading to a series of extraordinary and haunting conversations with one another.